Egg sales reveal the best increase for many years

Figures released by the British Egg Industry Council show that the sector has seen the best egg sales for many years, which it puts down to a number of factors.

With more than 300m eggs sold in retail outlets over the past three weeks, 7% more than the comparable period in 2008, egg packers have reported bumper sales.

One factor is the recent positive media coverage sparked by a press briefing, where GMTV’s resident GP Hilary Jones said it was safe to eat an egg a day.

He dispelled the myth that eating eggs raised blood cholesterol levels and increased the risk of heart disease.

Also adding to the rise was Pancake Day, traditionally one of the biggest sales periods of the year. But this year the industry saw its best week for egg sales for many years.

BEIC added that sales have been strong since the New Year, as consumers opted to buy eggs, as a low-cost protein source, during the credit crunch.

This follows British Lion egg’s recent launch of its “Eggonomics” campaign, developing a new website with a range of recipes for under £1 per portion, showing that eggs can make a low-cost and healthy meal.

“The exceptional demand for eggs is fantastic news for the industry,” said British Egg Industry Council chairman Andrew Parker.

“After decades with the ‘cholesterol cloud’ hanging over us, we now have a clean bill of heath on all fronts and it’s great to see that consumers are once again recognising the value of eggs, both nutritionally and economically.”